Why You’ll Love these Classic Chicken & Rolled Dumplings
Who doesn’t crave the ultimate comfort food that takes you right back to grandma’s kitchen? These rolled dumplings are the real deal—tender, pillowy bites swimming in rich, savory broth alongside perfectly cooked chicken. Unlike their fluffy drop-dumpling cousins, these rolled beauties have a satisfying chew that soaks up all that golden broth.
I’m particularly fond of how this recipe doesn’t cut corners. The homemade stock from a whole chicken, those eggs that make the dumplings extra tender, the evaporated milk that adds richness. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while it simmers. Perfect for Sunday dinners, rainy afternoons, or anytime you need a warm, comforting hug in food form.
What Ingredients are in Classic Chicken & Rolled Dumplings?
There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of homemade chicken and dumplings simmering on the stove. This classic recipe features tender pieces of chicken in rich broth topped with rolled dumplings that are simultaneously light and substantial. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for Sunday family dinners or when you need a little culinary hug.
- 1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 8-10 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (for cooking chicken)
- 2 teaspoons pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup hot water (for mixing with flour)
- 2 1/2 cups flour (for dumplings)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs (or more for larger batches)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You might notice that unlike some modern versions, this traditional recipe doesn’t call for vegetables like carrots or celery—though you could certainly add them if you’d like. The evaporated milk is a key ingredient that gives the dumplings their distinctive texture, making them tender rather than tough. And while the recipe mentions options for using more eggs (up to 12!), starting with just 3 will give you a perfect batch for beginners. Who needs fancy ingredients when these basics create such a memorable meal?
How to Make these Classic Chicken & Rolled Dumplings

Begin by adding one whole chicken (cut into serving pieces) to a 6-quart Dutch oven with 8-10 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and let it simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked—about 40 minutes. The kitchen will fill with that comforting, homey aroma that only chicken stock can create.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly before removing the skin and excess fat. Then separate the meat from the bones, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot. Add 2 teaspoons of pepper (or to taste) and more water if needed, then bring it back to a boil.
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare those glorious rolled dumplings. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2½ cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 3 large eggs and ¼ cup of evaporated milk from your 12-ounce can, mixing just enough to form a stiff dough. Need a stiffer consistency? Simply add more flour. The secret to perfect dumplings isn’t overworking the dough—just like with biscuits, a gentle touch creates the most tender result.
Now, this recipe is wonderfully flexible; if you’re feeding a crowd or simply love extra dumplings, you can scale up using 6, 9, or even 12 eggs, adjusting your flour accordingly.
The best results come from cooking in quality cast iron cookware which distributes heat evenly and maintains the perfect simmer throughout the cooking process.
The recipe seems to cut off before explaining the rolling and cooking process, but typically you’d roll the dough out on a floured surface until it’s about ⅛-inch thick, then cut it into rectangles or squares. Drop these dumplings into the boiling broth one at a time, gently stirring to prevent sticking. They’ll puff up slightly as they cook, absorbing all that rich chicken flavor. Give them about 8-10 minutes to cook through, and you’ll have a pot of comfort that would make any grandmother proud.
Classic Chicken & Rolled Dumplings Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe delivers all the comfort of grandma’s traditional chicken and dumplings, you can easily adapt it to suit your pantry or dietary needs.
Don’t have evaporated milk? Regular milk works in a pinch, though your dumplings might be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free version, unsweetened almond milk can substitute nicely.
You can swap chicken thighs for the whole chicken if you prefer darker meat, or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Just remember to add good quality broth instead of water.
For flavor variations, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth, or mix dried herbs directly into the dumpling dough. Some cooks swear by adding a splash of white wine to the broth. Delicious possibilities, right at your fingertips.
What to Serve with Classic Chicken & Rolled Dumplings
Now that we’ve explored ways to modify this beloved recipe, let’s talk about rounding out your meal. Chicken and dumplings is practically a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a feast worthy of Sunday dinner.
I love pairing this hearty dish with something fresh and green—a simple garden salad with vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts add a welcome brightness. Sweet corn muffins or buttermilk biscuits make perfect vehicles for sopping up that rich, savory broth, trust me.
For dessert? Nothing beats a fruit cobbler or warm apple pie. The fruity sweetness provides the perfect contrast to the savory, comforting flavors of your main dish. Can you imagine a more perfect comfort food combination?
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Classic Chicken & Rolled Dumplings recipe wraps up everything I love about traditional comfort food. There’s something magical about those tender pieces of chicken swimming in rich broth alongside perfectly rolled dumplings that just speaks to the soul.
Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t picture-perfect. The beauty of this recipe lies in its forgiving nature—each batch gets better as you develop your own rhythm and technique. Can you think of anything more satisfying than watching your family’s faces light up as they dig into a steaming bowl?
This dish carries generations of kitchen wisdom in every bite. Simple ingredients transformed through time and care into something extraordinary. When winter winds blow or comfort calls, this recipe answers with warmth, tradition, and a hug in a bowl.